Registering a goat for the first time can be pretty intimidating! But don't worry, its really not as complicated as you probably think... Where to begin? Before registering your first goat, you will want to first join a registry and apply for membership. I have found that it is much easier to be a member of a registry/club when it comes to transfer of ownership, recording service memos, and even using on-line services to register animals quickly. Not to mention that the fees and costs associated with registering and recording animals is much cheaper for a club member than it is for non-members--so being a member of a registry helps make registrations that much cheaper as well! How to Choose a Registry--Is any one registry better than another? I suggest choosing a registry that is most active in your area-- for folks living on the east side of the Mississippi and in Northern states-- MDGA is likely to have more members, more shows, and there-by much more activity. On the West Coast, American Southwest, and Pacific Northwest TMGR is much more prominent. But, other considerations that may help determine which registry is right for you may also include availability of programs offered. And what programs you may be interested in partaking. TMGR has a searchable data base for progeny/ ancestry of animals (similar to ADGA, but more low-tech), a conformation clinic (available on-line), they also have DHIR, and show programs. While MDGA similarly has shows, v-shows (virtual on-line shows), and also has a DHIR program. In MDGA animals that earn a milk star get awarded a 'Production Star' shown as/ represented by a *P by an animals name. In TMGR this same award is shown as a *D-- and for people familiar with ADGA/AGS this is likely going to be a bit more familiar to look at on a registration paper. Both registries ultimately offer the same types of programs. So are both very comparable. Even their membership fees, registration fees, etc. are all basically the same. If you want to participate in V-Shows as opposed to live shows, your animals must be registered with MDGA (even if already registered with TMGR). We register with both TMGR/MDGA so that our animals can utilize the V-Show (offered by MDGA) and conformation clinics (offered by TMGR). I prefer TMGR over MDGA largely because of my experience with this registry, and also due to the fact their are more member activities closer to my area. But ultimately the choice is yours to make. Which registry you want to try first, OR! You can do both and decide later which one will work best for you. To Join a registry as a member all you have to do is visit the web site for the registry of your choosing, and fill out their on-line membership application to get started. TMGR: Membership Application (tmgronline.com) MDGA: Membership (miniaturedairygoats.net) *You do not need to be a registry member to register goats with MDGA/TMGR. But you will pay a little extra for transfer fees, registrations, etc. Already a Member? Great! Now you are ready to begin filling out your animals' registration application!
STEP 1 (on most applications): Breeder/Owner information: In step 1 you will be asked to fill out your breeder (member) information. Name, Address, Membership ID # (assigned to you after you pay for membership with a registry), Contact info, etc. Pretty run of the mill. This information identifies you as the owner/breeder of the animals you are registering. Some of this info will be printed on the registration certificate of the animal in question to ID your farm as its place of origin. STEP 2: Animal Identification/Description: This is the fun part where you get to name your animal (or let a buyer name the animal they have purchased if not already registered). The animals' name should not exceed 30 characters (including spaces) and must include your farm name. Longer farm names will be limited on space, so keep that in mind when choosing a herd name! You will also need to describe the animals coat color/pattern, ear type, eye color, breed characteristics (what breed is it supposed to represent?), and fill out the tattoo information. ALL farms should also have a tattoo on their animals for ID before registering them. You can register your tattoo prefix with any registry (even if you are not a member). Some registries require a tattoo in addition to an Electronic ID method (EID, Microchip), you can not solely use a microchip for ID. STEP 3: Fill out Birth and other information: Also important to know/have on hand before you start! The registries need to know the date the animal it was born. Its sex/gender (buck or doe), how many other kids were in the same litter, is this animal disbudded? Horned? Polled? STEP 4: Parents or Dam/Sire information: Who are the parents of your goats? Remember in order to register a miniature dairy goat, both parents must also be registered! They can be registered with AGS, ADGA, TMGR, or MDGA. You will need their names, registration #s, and copies of their certificates (or a service memo). STEP 5: Proofing: Minis are required to show proof that they conform to the breed standard. This means that photos of the animals to be registered will be required to be reviewed. Typically 2 clear photos are required. 1 showing the animals profile, and the other showing the animals face looking head-on toward the camera. It is especially important to focus on the animals head for breeds like LaManchas and Nubians--this way the registry can correctly identify that your animal possesses the correct breed traits for the herd books they keep. STEP 6: SUBMIT! Dont forget to Pay any fees on-line for your registration of your goat and you are done! Certificates will be mailed out to you by the registries, and sent to the address you provided.
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